Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as mastersons bar moonee ponds disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at get more info the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .